The 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec offers a delightful way to experience the city’s historic charm during the festive season. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, admire the iconic Château Frontenac, and learn about Quebec’s unique Christmas traditions from a knowledgeable guide. With a reasonable price tag and flexible cancellation policy, this tour promises an immersive and memorable holiday adventure. Those seeking to capture the essence of Old Quebec’s yuletide spirit won’t want to miss this enchanting opportunity.
About Your Stay
- A 2-hour guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Quebec, highlighting the city’s French colonial heritage and unique Christmas traditions.
- Explore key landmarks like the iconic Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, and Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica, with insights from a licensed guide in period costume.
- Discover the rich history and cultural significance of the Château Frontenac, including the building’s stunning interior and its association with notable figures.
- Experience the breathtaking views from the 1,033-foot Dufferin Terrace, which offers panoramic perspectives of the historic landscape.
- Learn about Quebec’s blend of cultural and spiritual Christmas customs, such as midnight mass, hand-crafted ornaments, and warm maple taffy.
Tour Overview
This 2-hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec takes visitors on a journey through the historic city’s UNESCO World Heritage site.
The tour costs $27.81 per person and is available in English and French. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.
During the 2-hour experience, a licensed guide in period costume will lead guests to key sites like the Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, and Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica, sharing insights into Quebec’s Christmas traditions and French heritage.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Quebec City
Exploring Old Quebec
The Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec leads visitors through the historic UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich French heritage and festive traditions.
The tour highlights key landmarks like the iconic Château Frontenac, the picturesque Dufferin Terrace, and the striking Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica. Along the way, the licensed guide in period costume shares insights into Quebec’s unique Christmas customs and the city’s vibrant past.
Guests explore the charming Place Royale, where cobblestone streets and 17th-century buildings evoke a bygone era. This immersive experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the magic of Old Quebec during the holiday season.
Château Frontenac
One of the tour’s key highlights is the iconic Château Frontenac, a renowned landmark that dominates the skyline of Old Quebec.
This grand hotel, built in the late 19th century, is renowned for its impressive French-château style architecture. Visitors will marvel at its imposing silhouette, with its copper roof and ornate turrets.
During the tour, the guide will share the history of this iconic building, which has hosted many notable figures, including Queen Elizabeth II.
The iconic Château Frontenac has hosted many notable figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, as the tour guide will share.
Guests will have the opportunity to admire the Château’s stunning interior and learn about its role in shaping the cultural heritage of Quebec City.
Dufferin Terrace
After exploring the iconic Château Frontenac, the Christmas Magic Tour continues to Dufferin Terrace, a wooden boardwalk that offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding landscape. Spanning over 1,000 feet, this historic promenade provides visitors with a unique vantage point to appreciate Old Quebec’s picturesque winter scenery.
| Feature | Detail |
| — | — |
| Length | 1,033 feet (315 meters) |
| Elevation | 98 feet (30 meters) above the St. Lawrence River |
| History | Constructed in 1878, named after the 5th Governor General of Canada |
The terrace’s strategic location and panoramic perspectives make it a must-visit during the Christmas Magic Tour, complementing the tour’s exploration of Quebec’s rich history and cultural heritage.
More Great Tours NearbyNotre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica
Towering over the historic heart of Old Quebec, the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica stands as a magnificent example of French-Canadian religious architecture.
Its striking facade, adorned with intricate carvings and stained-glass windows, draws visitors from around the world.
Inside, the ornate interior features stunning altars, elaborately decorated columns, and breathtaking murals.
Visitors can admire the basilica’s impressive pipe organ and learn about its rich history, which includes its role as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec.
The guided tour provides insights into the basilica’s significance within the cultural and spiritual landscape of the city.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Quebec City
Place Royale
Place Royale is a historic square located in the heart of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It’s known for its charming 17th and 18th-century architecture, including the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Visitors can wander the cobblestone streets, admire the distinctive buildings, and learn about the area’s French colonial history.
The square features several boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, making it a popular spot for shopping and dining.
During the Christmas season, Place Royale is especially festive, with twinkling lights and holiday decorations adding to its timeless ambiance.
Quebec’s Christmas Traditions
As visitors explore the historic Place Royale, they’ll discover that the Christmas season in Quebec is steeped in rich traditions dating back to the region’s French colonial roots.
From the towering bonfires of the Carnaval de Québec to the midnight mass on Christmas Eve, Quebec’s French heritage shines through.
Delicate hand-crafted ornaments, elaborate nativity scenes, and the iconic Yule log all reflect the province’s deep Catholic roots.
Carolers in period costumes, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the aroma of warm maple taffy add to the magical atmosphere, making Quebec’s Christmas traditions truly unique.
Meeting Point and Important Information
The tour meets at the Cicerone Tour Desk – Tourist Information Center, located at 12, Sainte-Anne St., Québec (QC) G1R 3X3.
Guests can contact the tour company at 418-614-TOUR.
The 2-hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec operates rain or shine, every day of the year.
The tour includes a small hot chocolate and gratuities.
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
Questions About Your Stay
Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
No, the tour includes a small hot chocolate. You don’t need to bring your own snacks or drinks, as they’re provided as part of the tour package. The price covers all necessary items for the 2-hour experience.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. According to the tour information, it operates rain or shine every day of the year and includes small hot chocolate and gratuities, so there’s no need to bring your own snacks or drinks.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. It’s suitable for all ages, though young children may find the 2-hour duration challenging. It’s recommended to use discretion when bringing very young kids on the tour.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos during the tour. The guide will provide opportunities for capturing the historic landmarks and festive atmosphere of Old Quebec, allowing visitors to create lasting memories of their Christmas experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec is a set 2-hour experience, and the tour information doesn’t mention any possibilities for extending the length of the tour.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec offers a delightful experience, showcasing the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status and its unique holiday traditions. Priced at $27.81 per person, the tour allows you to explore the Château Frontenac, Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica, and other iconic landmarks with a licensed guide in period costume. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an enchanting way to learn about Quebec’s festive charm.
You can check availability for your dates here:More City Tours in Quebec City
- Quebec City: Old Quebec Guided Fat Bike Tour With Hot Drink
- Quebec City – Scooter Guided Tour on Ile Dorléans
- Quebec City – E-Bike Tour – Welcome to Wendake!
- Quebec City – E-Bike Guided Tour on Ile Dorléans (25miles)
- Quebec City – E-Bike Tour Along the St Lawrence River
- Quebec City: Sunset Ice Canoe Experience With Sauna
More Tour Reviews in Quebec City
- Ultimate Canada Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle
- Quebec City: Old Quebec Guided Fat Bike Tour With Hot Drink
- Guided Limoilou E-Bike Adventure From Old Quebec & Lunch
- Quebec City – Scooter Guided Tour on Ile Dorléans
- Quebec City – E-Bike Tour – Welcome to Wendake!
- Quebec City – E-Bike Guided Tour on Ile Dorléans (25miles)
Still browsing? Here are more Quebec City experiences we've covered recently
- Ultimate Canada Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle
- Quebec City: Old Quebec Guided Fat Bike Tour With Hot Drink
- Guided Limoilou E-Bike Adventure From Old Quebec & Lunch
- Quebec City – Scooter Guided Tour on Ile Dorléans
- Quebec City – E-Bike Tour – Welcome to Wendake!
- Quebec City – E-Bike Guided Tour on Ile Dorléans (25miles)
- Quebec City – E-Bike Tour Along the St Lawrence River
- Quebec City: Sunset Ice Canoe Experience With Sauna
- Quebec to Montmorency Falls & Ste-Anne-De-Beaupré – Half-day
- Quebec City: Electric Bike Tour
- Quebec City – E-Tandem Rental on Ile D’Orléans
- Old Quebec Art Galleries Private Walking Tour